FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Stouffville, ON (October 29, 2018) – As Canadians come together on Remembrance Day to honour those who have served their country, the wartime contributions of animals will also be recognized through a new commemorative pin unveiled by the Ontario SPCA.

The Animals in War pin is designed to be worn alongside your poppy to remember our veterans and the animals who bravely served by their side. This year’s commemorative pin will feature a dog. For each pin sold, $1 will be donated to the Royal Canadian Legion to support veterans.

The Animals in War pin concept was launched in 2017, with the inaugural design featuring a horse. The Ontario SPCA proudly donated $2,500 to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 459 in Stouffville from the sales of last year’s pin.

“The Animals in War pin was created to serve as a reminder of the wartime contributions of animals, while also supporting our veterans,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, Senior Director, Humane Programs and Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA. “We invite Canadians to wear it with pride as they don their poppy this Remembrance Day.”

The Ontario SPCA will also be sending officers to Ottawa to place a wreath during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11, marking the third time the Society has taken part.

“We are honoured to be participating in this service to reflect on the veterans and animals who have served this country,” says Vaillancourt. “The Society will always remember their sacrifices and bravery.”

A variety of animals have served in wartime. Mules carried artillery, horses transported troops and hauled field guns, pigeons delivered crucial messages and dogs served as messengers, medical assistants, bomb detectors and search and rescue workers.

The Animals in War pin is available online and at Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province. To purchase your pin, visit pawsandgive.ca or find an Ontario SPCA animal centre or participating humane society near you.

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's animal welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of close to 50 communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first animal welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce animal welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.